Syracuse Stage, its main theatre shown here during a student matinee, will be celebrated for its impact in the Central New York community as the beneficiary of the 2019 J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge.
SYRACUSE, April 15, 2019 – Founded in 1982, the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge is part of the business fabric in Central New York, raising awareness of the importance of fitness and camaraderie in the workplace.
Now the popular 3.5-mile road race is partnering with another iconic organization to celebrate the creative quality of life in Syracuse.
The 2019 J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge – scheduled for Tuesday, May 21 at Onondaga Lake Park, with an anticipated crowd of over 7,000 entrants from more than 250 companies – will benefit Syracuse Stage, a vital part of the cultural scene since 1974.
“We are excited to share with the thousands of Corporate Challenge participants all the exciting things happening at our theatre,” said Jill Anderson, Managing Director, Syracuse Stage. “We hope participants will feel a sense of shared pride in the work we do.”
JPMorgan Chase will donate on behalf of all Corporate Challenge participants to Syracuse Stage, with the donation directly benefiting artistic, educational, and community programming.
“Syracuse Stage is deeply honored to be the 2019 Corporate Challenge beneficiary,” said Bob Hupp, Artistic Director. “Syracuse Stage tells stories that engage, entertain, and inspire us to see life beyond our own experience. At Syracuse Stage, we are reimagining what’s possible for regional theater through active inclusion, innovative outreach, and bold productions. Syracuse Stage shapes the cultural and social vitality of Central New York, enriches the Syracuse University student experience, and fosters change in ourselves, our communities, and our world.”
The Corporate Challenge is a high-profile extension of JPMorgan Chase’s existing relationship with Syracuse Stage.
“We’re a proud longtime supporter of Syracuse Stage and most recently were a sponsor for the original play, Possessing Harriet, by Syracuse Stage’s Associate Artistic Director Kyle Bass,” said John Huhtala, Syracuse Executive Director, JPMorgan Chase. “They have been producing entertaining and inspirational theater like this for 45 years in our community. I feel that it’s important to recognize Syracuse Stage for their profound cultural impact on our community.”
Huhtala noted that the commitment to Syracuse Stage will further expand as JPMorgan Chase will be the naming sponsor of 2019-20 Syracuse Stage Student Matinee Series.
“For many students, a field trip to Syracuse Stage is their first exposure to live theatre,” said Huhtala.
Corporate Challenge participants can participate in dozens of Syracuse Stage’s community events surrounding its shows including happy hours, opening night parties with cast and crew members, and pre- and post-show discussions relating to the production with community leaders.
“Syracuse Stage is looking forward to connecting with current patrons at the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge and hopes to reach new audiences,” Anderson said. “Whether you have been to Syracuse Stage dozens of times or have yet to step in our door, there is something for you. We hope this exposure will encourage participants to see where they fit in the Syracuse Stage family!”
Registration for the 2019 J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge is open with an entry fee of $37 per employee. Businesses may enter a minimum of four with no maximum. Entries will remain open until Wednesday, May 1. Also, there are expanded variety of hospitality offerings for pre- and post-race celebrations on-site.
